Preparation and Structure of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Polyacrylate Elastomer Composite Hydrogels and Their Application in Wastewater Treatment by Immobilizing with Microorganisms

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/powdered ethyl acrylate rubber (ACM) composite hydrogels were prepared through in situ chemical cross-linking. The addition of ACM could accelerate the cross-linking reaction of PVA, and increase pore nucleus, resulting in a decrease of pore size and formation of a homogeneous and compact porous network structure. Under proper content of ACM, the shear elastic modulus (G′) and network density (νe) of the composite hydrogels can be improved, leading to an enhancement of the mechanical property and hydraulic shock resistance. The PVA/1.5 wt % ACM hydrogel presented the best long-term hydraulic stability, and the toughening mechanism was studied. The values of oxygen uptake rate and chemical oxygen demand removal rate of PVA/ACM composite hydrogels embedded with microorganism fluctuated with the addition of ACM, and a high microorganism activity can be retained.